While a wander along the seafront or through one of our parks is always a joy, this trail is a great way of seeing the city from a different angle and a chance to take a look at its history.
The paths are usually quiet, making it feel like a well-kept secret.
Along the route artwork tells of the city’s shipbuilding and pit past, while cranes under construction and its new City Hall can all be spotted as well as the Stadium of Light, pigeon crees and remaining staiths.
From the National Glass Centre close to the mouth of the river to the Northern Spire Bridge, this route follows the water most of the way – with a few diversions around Southwick’s industrial estates – and is a there-and-back route of around 10k or just more than 6 miles.
Here are some of the sights you can catch.
1. From bridge to bridge
The route from the Wearmouth Bridge to the Northern Spire and back covers around 10k. Photo: FT
2. A view of St Peter's
Pick a starting point along the stretch of river from St Peter's and head along the north side of the walkway, where there are a number of artworks dotted along the way as well as the church itself, which was once home to the Venerable Bede and was founded in 673 AD. Photo: FT
3. A lesser enjoyed view of Wearmouth Bridge
It's an icon of our city, but how often do you see it from this spot? The pathway under the structure takes walkers under the road bridge, as well as its railway neighbour, which was built in 1879. Photo: JPI
4. Second Sun
This artwork was created by Andrew Small after he was invited to mark the final 2k of the C2C cycle route, bringing together the area's history to form a piece which features an image from a NASA solar telescope along with a series of other space-inspired waymarkers. Photo: JPI Media